New Zealand: Rugby, cricket dates on collision course (9 Jul 1998)

9 July 1998

Rugby, cricket dates on collision course

by Geoff Longley

The Victory Park Board hopes it will not have to rule on a possible cricket-rugby international clash at Lancaster Park in March.

New Zealand Cricket confirmed yesterday it will play the second test against South Africa at the ground from March 11 to 15. That is the third weekend into rugby's Super 12 competition with a draft draw for next season's competition expected within a fortnight.

Board general manager Campbell Prentice said the board would be placed in an unenviable position if there was a clash at the dual-purpose ground.

"There are no winners if we had to rule on something like this. In the past there has not been a clash and I would hope that things can again be resolved amicably."

Canterbury rugby chief executive Steve Tew said he requested a cricket itinerary when he was putting in the Canterbury Crusaders' preferences for the draft draw.

"I was unable to get one so had to go ahead without the knowledge of cricket's dates," Tew said.

Tew said he requested a home game for the opening round of the championship on February 27 and 28 with the Crusaders being the reigning champions.

"We haven't had an opening round game at home before and, being last season's winner, I think it would be most appropriate," Tew said.

The complicating factor is how long the ground will take to be prepared for a test match.

Prentice said holding a test when NZC intended staging it would certainly preclude the previous weekend (March 5 to 7) from rugby use.

"There are more factors involved in preparing a pitch for a five-day test then a one-dayer," Prentice said.

Whether a match could be held during the weekend of February 27 and 28 and then be ready for test cricket 11 days later was debatable, Prentice said.

"A lot would depend on the weather and how the groundsman felt about such a scenario."

Tew said he could understand cricket wanting to play at the ground in March, traditionally a summer sports month, but rugby was now played then and the sporting world was changing.

"Neither of us wants to give any ground. There is no animosity between us but we want to hold firm to our positions," Tew said.

Tew noted that this season Canterbury had five Super 12 matches, one fewer than last season which should be helpful with the scheduling.

"We could play the first game at home and then be away for several weeks," Tew said.

The Crusaders' other requests were not to play at Easter -- he said Canterbury had in recent seasons and it was traditionally a difficult marketing time -- and to play in South Africa later in the season.

Feb 11: Arrive in Christchurch. Feb 13: v NZ Academy, Molyneux Park, Alexandra. Feb 14: 1st ODI, Carisbrook, Dunedin. Feb 17: 2nd ODI, Lancaster Park, Christchurch. Feb 20: 3rd ODI, Eden Park, Auckland. Feb 22-24: Northern Districts at WestpacTrust Park, Hamilton. Feb 27-March 3: 1st test, Eden Park, Auckland. March 11-15: 2nd test, Lancaster Park, Christchurch. March 18-22: 3rd test, Basin Reserve, Wellington. March 25: 4th ODI, (day-night) McLean Park, Napier. March 27: 5th ODI, Eden Park, Auckland.

March 30: 6th ODI, Basin Reserve, Wellington.

Source :: The Canterbury Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)